Fat dogs with worms

[Eva (Lilo and Rocky)]

Took the dogs to their 5 year checkup today. Turns out they both have worms (2 different kinds!) and are 3-4 lbs over their max. weight. How did this happen? They get at least 3 hours of offleash exercise every day and both are pretty active hunters and spend most of the day running around outside. The vet said their metabolism slows down around this age and to feed them less. I'm pretty sure they'll be acting hungry after eating two sad scoops of food each, so I'm wondering if I should supplement the kibble with peas or carrots or beans or some other kind of non-fat veggie. We shall see. For sure, I don't want overweight dogs. The worms probably came from the animals they've killed and eaten over the past several months. Apparently wild rabbits are infested with all kinds of nasty parasites. So, why didn't the worms make the dogs skinny now they were in there anyway, devouring high quality food straight out of their intestines???? I mean, at least they could have helped!!!

But, at least the dogs are otherwise healthy and have no hip, eye, or skin problems. I'm counting my blessings and preparing myself for two hungry dogs on diets and dewormer powder. Eeek.

[Eva (Lilo and Rocky)]

the dogs are on Natural Balance fish/potato (which they both love and it does wonders for their skin). I reduced their meal to 2 scoops + 1/2 can of canned food so they'd eat it right away + the dewormer powder of course. Sofar so good, although they did just go hunting in the twilight, so who knows what their dessert will be tonight... no screaming critters as of yet, but the night is still young ;)

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Don't feed EVO! My dogs loved it but it is too high calorie for them. I have currently switched to Solid Gold which is a bit lower calorie, but Fromm's (if you can get) it is even lower in calories so you can feed in reasonable portions.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Jackdoodle turned 5 last November and his metabolism has definitely slowed; but he doesn't get anywhere near the amount of exercise that Lilo & Rocky do! I'm trying to get his weight down by increasing his exercise, since he isn't a big eater.
Good luck with the doodle diet program; I'll be following your progress with interest!

[Adina P]

What about a low cal dog food??

[F, Calla & Luca]

Sorry to hear about the worms and I can identify with the slowing metabolism although not the 3 hours of exercise. Hoping the treatment and diet goes well.